Arlington Heights news briefs: April 8

April 08, 2013|By Sally Ho, Chicago Tribune reporter

Music program approved with cheaper contract

The Arlington Heights School District 25 board renewed the Music for Youth program. The approved three-year contract allowed for funding increases based on the Consumer Price Index, or inflation, which averages about 2.4 percent. Previously, the tuition-based program -- which currently gets $71,761 from the district -- had proposed an annual 3 percent increase for the new contract. That proposal was projected to cost the district an addition $1,353, so board members pushed back and counter-offered with the inflation-based adjustment instead. The program provides instruction on string instruments, including violin, cello and viola, for about 260 students.

District 25 saves nearly $100,000 on electrical, gas costs

The district said it has saved nearly $96,535 in energy costs for the current fiscal year. Electrical use for the school year through January was reported to be 5 percent lower compared to the same time last year, while costs were down 30 percent due to a new utility contract. Meanwhile, gas usage increased by 4 percent through February compared to last year, but gas costs overall are down 3 percent thanks to automated controls. Last year, the district spent $472,934 in electricity costs and $143,678 in natural gas costs.

Wheeling High School Principal Lazaro Lopez has been promoted to Township High School District 214's associate superintendent for teaching and learning. Lopez has been in his current post for six years and will succeed the retiring Rosemary Gonzalez-Pinnick in July. At Wheeling High, Lopez has been credited with spearheading the school's technology programs, including a nanotechnology conference last fall that was attended by Gov. Pat Quinn. This year, Lopez was also named Illinois High School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association.

Building operations leadership to change for high schools

Leadership is changing for building operations at one of the largest high school districts in the state. Brian Lichtenberger, director of operations for District 214, is retiring at the end of the school year. Central Maintenance Supervisor Ted Birren, who started his career as a Buffalo Grove High School custodian, is moving to replace Lichtenberger, while an assistant director of operations position will be created to replace Birren's job with expanded duties. Hired for the new position is Kevin Liebe, now director of buildings and grounds at Warren Township High School in Gurnee.

Artwork banners contest for downtown Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights is launching the "Artist Street Banner Program" and is accepting submissions through May 15. Artwork sent to the village will be reviewed by the Arts Commission. The theme is "Show the Colors of Fall" and chosen artists will have their art showcased downtown on banner poles from August through October.

District 25's annual report released

District 25 has released its 2012-2013 annual report to the community. The report details each of the district's nine schools -- seven elementary and two middle schools -- with test scores and achievements, as well as district department updates. It is available on the district's website.

Arlington Heights mayor's memory box

Letters and notes are being requested for longtime Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder's public goodbye. A memory box of the retiring mayor's 20 years as village president will be presented at a "farewell open house" on April 28. The event will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at the village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, in the third floor board room.

Flooding studies moving forward

Studies on Arlington Heights' flooding problem are moving forward. The village is expected to propose another flooding study in May that will look at the two-thirds of the village that is on a combined storm and sanitary water system. In the fall, the village began a $59,894 study that looked at the other one-thirds of the village system, which have separated pipes. The studies are in response to a massive 2011 storm, when the village got about 5.5 to 7 inches of rain in the span of three to four hours on one July day.